Does tDCS Improve Motor Learning in Children With DCD?

Overview

Transcrainial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has become increasingly popular over the past decade. tDCS is a safe and well-studied form of non-invasive brain stimulation. The purpose of the current study is to see if tDCS can improve motor function in children with developmental coordination disorder. Non-invasive brain stimulation is shown to positively affect motor performance in children with neurodevelopmental and/or neurological conditions. For example, tDCS improves hand motor function in children with paediatric stroke and cerebral palsy. The benefits of tDCS in developmental coordination disorder is unknown. The current study will assess children's motor performance before and after tDCS intervention.

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in coordinated motor abilities. Affected individuals show differences in brain maturation and early motor development, negatively impacting performance on everyday living tasks such as writing and participation in sports. Currently, there are few evidence-based therapeutic interventions for individuals diagnosed with DCD, and most are time consuming with modest effect sizes \[1\]. There is a pressing need to develop efficient, effective interventions to improve motor performance in children with DCD, as impairments often last into adulthood and can negatively impact long-term physical and mental health as well as social and academic abilities. The ability to enhance endogenous motor learning systems with non-invasive brain stimulation is now well established in adults \[2, 3\]. Research studies have demonstrated the same potential in the developing brain. For instance, tDCS can significantly enhance the acquisition of motor skills over a few brief training sessions in typically developing school aged children, with lasting effects \[4\]. Recent clinical trials in children with cerebral palsy and neonatal stroke also suggest therapeutic efficacy in children with motor impairment \[5, 6, 7\]. However, the use of tDCS in pediatric populations is limited \[8\]. As tDCS has been associated with improved motor outcomes in adults and children with motor impairment, it may be an effective intervention for children with DCD. This however has not been investigated. Research Questions \& Objectives: The current study will investigate the therapeutic benefits of tDCS in adolescents with DCD. The primary aim is to determine changes in motor skill acquisition and learning during a skill-training paradigm that is paired with anodal tDCS or sham tDCS. We hypothesize that when compared to the sham tDCS group, the treatment tDCS group will show enhanced motor learning on tests of motor functioning. Secondarily we will also examine sensorimotor changes following tDCS intervention and pediatric brain stimulation safety/tolerability. Methods: A randomized, sham controlled clinical trial including a final sample of 30 school aged children diagnosed with DCD will be conducted. The current study will be using a well-supported stimulation protocol, utilized in children and adolescents in the absence of adverse side effects.